Intel's 8086, the company's first processor to use its ubiquitous x86 instruction set architecture, debuted on June 8, 1978. Forty years later and by some stroke of fortuitous timing, Intel's desktop CPU portfolio is loaded with eighth-generation Core processors. So it was only fitting, then, that after a bit of prodding by a well-known chip analyst, Intel announced that it'd pay homage to the 8086 with a 40th-anniversary limited-edition Core i7-8086K.

Core i7-8086K is based on the same Coffee Lake architecture as Core i7-8700K, right down to its six Hyper-Threaded cores able to work on 12 threads concurrently. But it features a higher base frequency and more aggressive Turbo Boost bins, which tell us that Intel carefully picked out the best dies to use in these chips. This is the first Intel processor to ship with a 5 GHz Turbo Boost bin, matching AMD's record with the FX-9590. And if you're only looking at clock rate, the -8086K represents a 1000x multiplication of the original 8086's 5 MHz frequency.

Incidentally, the -8086K is also Intel's first six-core processor with a 4 GHz base frequency, though that specification isn't as eye-catching.

Intel kicked off its anniversary celebration with a giveaway of 8086 Core i7-8086Ks. If you didn't win one, you'll have to purchase the processor like we did. Your window of opportunity won't be large, though: our sources confirm a production run of just 50,000 units. We expect collector's items to sport premium pricing, and Intel doesn't disappoint in that department. As of this writing, the -8086K sells for $75 more than the once-flagship Core i7-8700K.

So what is this processor's appeal, other than the obvious nostalgia? Core i7-8086K comes from a higher-quality bin than Core i7-8700K, so enthusiasts with deep pockets can expect to receive the very best example of Coffee Lake silicon available. Of course, most folks won't consider the extra $75 worth paying for moderate gains at stock clock rates. But again, this is a limited-edition piece of hardware steeped in history.

Intel Core i7-8086K

Pros

Rare moments of 5 GHz operation are exciting

Highest-quality Coffee Lake silicon

A bit of available overclocking headroom

Limited-edition piece of history

Fastest gaming processor

Cons

Imperceptible performance gains vs. -8700K at stock settings

No bundled cooler

High price

Verdict

The 40th-anniversary Core i7-8086K is appealing to collectors due to its limited-edition status. It's also a solid choice if you're on the hunt for the utmost in gaming and overclocking performance (and are willing to pay a hefty premium for it).

Intel Core i7-8600K

The 6C/12T Core i7-8086K is manufactured on Intel's 14nm++ process, just like its other Coffee Lake CPUs. Like the company's Core i7-8700K, its 95W Core i7-8086K also features 13MB of L3 cache, support for up to 64GB of dual-channel memory at DDR4-2666, an unlocked multiplier to facilitate overclocking, and Intel's integrated UHD Graphics 630 engine that can boost up to 1.2 GHz. For more information about the Coffee Lake architecture, check out our Core i7-8700K review.

Frequencies

Base

1

2

3

4 - 5

6

Intel Core i7-8086K

4.0 GHz

5.0 GHz

4.6 GHz

4.5 GHz

4.4 GHz

4.3 GHz

Intel Core i7-8700K

3.7 GHz

4.7 GHz

4.6 GHz

4.5 GHz

4.4 GHz

4.3 GHz

The -8086K's real differentiation involves its modified Turbo Boost frequencies. But in an effort to maintain a 95W thermal design power rating, Intel only tweaked this chip's base and single-core clock rates. We were able to sustain 5 GHz in tasks confined to a single core, such as Cinebench and LAME. However, the busy scheduling environment in a modern desktop operating system, which finds threads migrating frequently between cores, prevented 5 GHz operation in even mainstream tests like our gaming benchmarks. In other words, don't expect to see 5 GHz very often.

Product

Core i7-8086K

Core i7-8700K

Socket

LGA 1151v2

LGA 1151v2

TDP

95W

95W

Architecture

Coffee Lake

Coffee Lake

Process

14nm++

14nm++

Cores/Threads

6 / 12

6 / 12

Frequency Base / Boost

4.0 / 5.0 GHz

3.7 / 4.7 GHz

Memory Speed

DDR4-2966

DDR4-2966

Memory Controller

Dual-Channel

Dual-Channel

Cache (L2+L3)

13.5MB

13.5MB

Integrated Graphics

UHD Graphics 630 (up to 1200 MHz)

UHD Graphics 630 (up to 1200 MHz)

PCIe Lanes

x16 Gen3

x16 Gen3

Price

$425

$359

We've heard reports that some motherboards don't support Intel's 5 GHz single-core Turbo Boost bin. However, updated firmware could fix that in the future. Regardless, it's a shame that Intel didn't port over Turbo Boost 3.0 technology to pin lightly-threaded tasks to the CPU's fastest core. Overclockers might have more luck coaxing higher clock rates from the -8086K: our sample easily stretched up to 5.1 GHz with a bit of extra voltage.

We normally don't cover processor packaging, but it is relevant given the Core i7-8086K's status as a collector’s item. Like all of Intel's K-series SKUs, the -8086K doesn't include a bundled heat sink or fan.

The box tell us us that this is a limited-edition CPU. Intel even includes a certificate of authenticity, along with a signed statement from former CEO Brian Krzanich.

You're saying that if Intel paired their little aluminum heatsink with this CPU you would have been more satisfied with this product?

I've never heard of this silicon lottery place before. That's neat stuff.

Yuka

I'm going to be unfair, but not too much:

- We doing something for the 40th anniversary? -> Yes.- What do we sell for the 40th anniversary? -> A re-branded 8700K.- What do we include to make it more expensive? -> A letter from the CEO we most definitely won't be firing in the upcoming weeks! And a weird bottle with coffee beans in it (it seems?).- Do we bother in making it special (metal solder, bundled CLC, etc...) or just pick a couple golden sample 8700Ks? -> Don't bother, shrinks our profit; we don't care about the anniversary or making this special, really.

Too much cynical thought process there?

Cheers! :P

PaulAlcorn

496490 said:

Cons:
-No bundled cooler
You're saying that if Intel paired their little aluminum heatsink with this CPU you would have been more satisfied with this product?
I've never heard of this silicon lottery place before. That's neat stuff.

Touché

mac_angel

why is it that internet news media no longer uses proof readers or editors?

ubercake

I like the article and the page two comparison with the old 8086.

ingtar33

so Intel releases 8000 binned cpus for a $100 markup over their basic cpu, plus some crap, however, this release is by lottery only (as in only the lotto winners have permission to buy this chip), and THG does a review?

seriously?

mister g

" But if you go the Silicon Lottery route, expect to pay even more than a brand new Core i7-8086K costs and lose two years of warranty coverage."

I thought Intel CPUs usually come with a 3 year warranty?

Math Geek

1027081 said:

this release is by lottery only (as in only the lotto winners have permission to buy this chip), and THG does a review?
seriously?

think you missed how it went. they did a drawing to give away a bunch of these chips but they also made the rest available for purchase through the normal routs. no lottery there, just have to be quick on the draw and buy one before they sell out. Tom's bought thier's the same way any of us could have since intel did not send out press samples of it. it's a valid product for sale like any other they review.

g-unit1111

496490 said:

Cons:
-No bundled cooler
You're saying that if Intel paired their little aluminum heatsink with this CPU you would have been more satisfied with this product?
I've never heard of this silicon lottery place before. That's neat stuff.

Yeah I noticed that too. Intel hasn't been bundling coolers with its' high end CPUs since the X79 days. I honestly wouldn't count this as a hit against it.

I'm going to be unfair, but not too much:
- We doing something for the 40th anniversary? -> Yes.
- What do we sell for the 40th anniversary? -> A re-branded 8700K.
- What do we include to make it more expensive? -> A letter from the CEO we most definitely won't be firing in the upcoming weeks! And a weird bottle with coffee beans in it (it seems?).
- Do we bother in making it special (metal solder, bundled CLC, etc...) or just pick a couple golden sample 8700Ks? -> Don't bother, shrinks our profit; we don't care about the anniversary or making this special, really.
Too much cynical thought process there?
Cheers! :P

I haven't seen many companies do much more for an anniversary version of their product. For example, the 50th anniversary Mustang in 2015 was just a Mustang GT with the Performance Pack but came in two special colors (Kona Blue and Wimbeldon White) and had the badging. They did a limited run of 1964 of those. However it didn't perform any better than a 2015 GT with the Performance Package.

I think celebrating their beginnings is neat. Some people love this stuff. Let them enjoy it.

PaulAlcorn

349598 said:

" But if you go the Silicon Lottery route, expect to pay even more than a brand new Core i7-8086K costs and lose two years of warranty coverage."
I thought Intel CPUs usually come with a 3 year warranty?

Yup. Intel gives you a three-year warranty, while Silicon Lottery gives you a one-year warranty. So, you lose two years of coverage if you buy a chip from Silicon Lottery.

Yuka

149725 said:

73949 said:

I'm going to be unfair, but not too much:
- We doing something for the 40th anniversary? -> Yes.
- What do we sell for the 40th anniversary? -> A re-branded 8700K.
- What do we include to make it more expensive? -> A letter from the CEO we most definitely won't be firing in the upcoming weeks! And a weird bottle with coffee beans in it (it seems?).
- Do we bother in making it special (metal solder, bundled CLC, etc...) or just pick a couple golden sample 8700Ks? -> Don't bother, shrinks our profit; we don't care about the anniversary or making this special, really.
Too much cynical thought process there?
Cheers! :P

I haven't seen many companies do much more for an anniversary version of their product. For example, the 50th anniversary Mustang in 2015 was just a Mustang GT with the Performance Pack but came in two special colors (Kona Blue and Wimbeldon White) and had the badging. They did a limited run of 1964 of those. However it didn't perform any better than a 2015 GT with the Performance Package.
I think celebrating their beginnings is neat. Some people love this stuff. Let them enjoy it.

They usually include some performance packages factory cars don't get. Unfortunately, the analogy falls a bit short, since here you're basically comparing the Shelby Mustang of the line up to the anniversary edition, which is a Shelby Mustang in another color. Not even special wheels, interior or markings; just a new badge and a higher price point.

But yes, I do agree at least they did *something* to "celebrate". I just find it amazing how they "celebrate" and not lose money doing it (or pass it as a marketing cost).

Cheers!

jdlech2

TBH, I think anyone who even opens the package is nuts. It's like breaking the plastic on that vinyl album you know is going to be history, or opening the plastic bag on that one comic book you know is going to be worth thousands, someday. These are collectors items - they're valued not for their performance, but for their collectibility. 25 years from now, museums are going to want them, collectors are going to bid for them. "Mint condition" is going to be worth something.

Giroro

Come on, guys. Intel went through all that effort to send you some coffee in the press kit, so the least you could do is throw it into a lake.

AgentLozen

Giroro said:

Come on, guys. Intel went through all that effort to send you some coffee in the press kit, so the least you could do is throw it into a lake.

Well what's the point in doing that? All that's gonna happen is some coffee is going to get in that lake.

jimmysmitty

73949 said:

149725 said:

73949 said:

I'm going to be unfair, but not too much:
- We doing something for the 40th anniversary? -> Yes.
- What do we sell for the 40th anniversary? -> A re-branded 8700K.
- What do we include to make it more expensive? -> A letter from the CEO we most definitely won't be firing in the upcoming weeks! And a weird bottle with coffee beans in it (it seems?).
- Do we bother in making it special (metal solder, bundled CLC, etc...) or just pick a couple golden sample 8700Ks? -> Don't bother, shrinks our profit; we don't care about the anniversary or making this special, really.
Too much cynical thought process there?
Cheers! :P

I haven't seen many companies do much more for an anniversary version of their product. For example, the 50th anniversary Mustang in 2015 was just a Mustang GT with the Performance Pack but came in two special colors (Kona Blue and Wimbeldon White) and had the badging. They did a limited run of 1964 of those. However it didn't perform any better than a 2015 GT with the Performance Package.
I think celebrating their beginnings is neat. Some people love this stuff. Let them enjoy it.

They usually include some performance packages factory cars don't get. Unfortunately, the analogy falls a bit short, since here you're basically comparing the Shelby Mustang of the line up to the anniversary edition, which is a Shelby Mustang in another color. Not even special wheels, interior or markings; just a new badge and a higher price point.
But yes, I do agree at least they did *something* to "celebrate". I just find it amazing how they "celebrate" and not lose money doing it (or pass it as a marketing cost).
Cheers!

No the 2015 50th anniversary Mustang. Not the 50th anniversary Cobra Jet (which looks insane) of which they are only pushing 68 out and will be unique in that its a 5.2l cross plane Coyote V8 super charged. The 2015 50th anniversary of the original Mustang was just a 2015 GT with special colors and badging nothing more.

I said it is often the same as what Intel does. Normally just aesthetic changes or badging or even a special this year and trim only color.

People should be allowed to celebrate and enjoy it. Its not meant for everyone just those that enjoy it.

Gam3r01

Now the question is, would the winners of the giveaway be getting just the processor, or the whole spread in the first picture?

cangelini

169108 said:

why is it that internet news media no longer uses proof readers or editors?

Editor checking in. What issues did you spot? Thanks!Chris

cryoburner

1920539 said:

Pros: Rare moments of 5 GHz operation are exciting

A bit like spotting bigfoot in the wild? What's the point of giving the processor a slightly higher boost clock on a single core when that doesn't actually translate to better performance in real-world scenarios? Considering that these processors are capable of overclocking to 5GHz, I'm sure they could have given it higher multi-core boost clocks as well, even if they were just increased by 100MHz over the 8700K. The resulting performance difference would still be indistinguishable, but at least it could be measured.

1920539 said:

But in an effort to maintain a 95W thermal design power rating, Intel only tweaked this chip's base and single-core clock rates.

But didn't you state in the 8700 review posted just the other day that...

1920539 said:

You see, Intel's thermal design power specification applies to the CPU's base frequency. But its processors exceed that rating when they jump to higher Turbo Boost bins.

Honestly, I think they just pull numbers out of a hat when specifying their TDPs.

About the only "Pro" this processor has is that overclockers can get a chip that's been binned for about 100Mhz higher clocks on average. However, there's still no guarantee that you'll get a chip that clocks better, it just increases one's odds. Going by Silicon Lottery's data, there's still a chance of getting an 8086K that won't be able to exceed 5GHz.

And what's with these other "Pros"? Fastest gaming processor? Even with a high-end graphics card at 1080p, frame rates were practically identical to an 8700K, and even that processor's performance in today's games is practically indistinguishable from a number of lower-priced options. Why even mention gaming performance in the review summary? Anyone building a gaming system would be better off putting that extra $75+ toward other components that have some actual performance benefit.

And will the 8086K really end up a collector's item? I somehow doubt this processor will retain all that much of its value in the long term. It's not so much a piece of history as it is a marketing gimmick to extract more profit out of 8700Ks that can potentially clock a bit higher. And from a performance standpoint, the 8086K will undoubtedly be surpassed by the 9th-gen Core processors that should be launching within the next few months or so.

feelinfroggy777

The only people that I have seen buy this chip is tech reviewers because Intel made so few that they did not send any review copies out.

I just cant imagine any regular Joe buying this thing.

PaulAlcorn

582021 said:

1920539 said:

<snip>

1920539 said:

But in an effort to maintain a 95W thermal design power rating, Intel only tweaked this chip's base and single-core clock rates.

But didn't you state in the 8700 review posted just the other day that...

1920539 said:

You see, Intel's thermal design power specification applies to the CPU's base frequency. But its processors exceed that rating when they jump to higher Turbo Boost bins.

Honestly, I think they just pull numbers out of a hat when specifying their TDPs.
<snip>.

Good catch, as we pointed out in the past, the TDP is based on the base frequency only. Correction made.

jeffrey.egan

What if I got one for free in the sweepstakes? Is it worth it then?

Seriously should I sell it and use my 8700k?

Gam3r01

2728635 said:

What if I got one for free in the sweepstakes? Is it worth it then?
Seriously should I sell it and use my 8700k?

In your case, yes. Sell it and put the money to something else. I also won one, but I am using a 4590, so I will happily use it.